tall buttercup
Ranunculus acris L.

Overview

Appearance

Ranunculus acris is a short lived perennial herbaceous plant. The plant is erect, hairy, grows from 10-40 in. (25.4-101.6 cm) tall and has fibrous roots. R. acris is native to temperate Asia and Europe.

Foliage

Foliage is divided and pilose with long petioles. Basal leaf blades of R. acris have 3-5 deep lobes that are also divided. The overall shape is pentagonal about 0.7-2.0 by 1.0-3.9 in. (1.8-5.2 by 2.7-9.8 cm). It has toothed margins.

Flowers

R. acris flowers have shiny yellow petals up to 1.25 in. (3.2 cm) wide. Flowers have sepals about half the size of the petals. Flowers bloom from May-Oct.

Fruit

R. acris reproduces by seeds. Fruits are globose achenes 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) wide.

Ecological Threat

R. acris can be found invading wet lowlands, rich woodlands, pastures, meadows, and along roadsides and other disturbed sites. It prefers heavy, moist soils but can grow in sandy or gravelly soil where there is sufficient moisture.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alberta Weed Control Act
• City of Ann Arbor Michigan Parks and Recreation
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• Montana Noxious Weeds
• National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References